Sugar Free Slurpees



On a hot day, one fun cool, delicious and surprisingly carb free treat that our family enjoys is a 7-11 Slurpee.

Surprising isn't it?

Did I mention that these are sugar free versions of the Slurpee?

While our family could certainly choose to purchase a regular Slurpee, counting carbohydrates can be difficult and numerous... about as much as in a regular can of soda. 

We stumbled onto these one year shortly after our youngest daughter's diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in 2006.  As we walked to the back of the store to select water bottles, my oldest daughter's eye caught the shimmer of the Crystal Light label on the Slurpee machine.  In the recent weeks of post diagnosis, Crystal Light water flavoring packets had surged to a favorite within our household and she was able to instantly recognize one of our new favorite treats. 

Certainly, it seemed like a simple, yet brilliant idea to freeze the Crystal Light and create Slurpees... why hadn't we thought of that before?

And even better... here was a store promoting and selling the deliciousness!

Whoo-Hoo!

Instantly, we were hooked. 

Sugar Free Slurpees that are flavored with Crystal Light include the following flavors: 

• Lemonade
• Lemon-Lime
• Orange Pineapple Ice

     Peach Mango

• Raspberry Ice

Strawberry Kiwi

     Strawberry Banana

• Passionfruit
• Berry Pomegranate
• Cherry Limeade
• Tangerine Lime
• Apple Mango

        Blueberry Splash

What is nice is that this is a treat that isn't obviously different from any of the other flavors.  The only difference is the nutritional information.  Quite often, if we drive over with friends, I notice that all of the kids tend to actually choose the Crystal Light flavors over the regular Coke/Mountain Dew/full sugar versions - not even realizing that they are choosing an item that is sugar free.  I think the Crystal Light versions are just that more enticing and quite often, tastier.

Here is a nutritional label from the Crystal Light 8 oz cup of the Strawberry Kiwi Slurpee.

I have had discussions with counting carbohydrates on Slurpees with various families living with Type 1 Diabetes and we all tend to do it differently.  Our family considers the Slurpees to be "free" treats as do we the Crystal Light drink packets, so we do not bolus for the beverages.  Certainly, you should consult your  endocrinologist to see what works best for your family needs before choosing to bolus or not bolus for a Slurpee.  For whatever reason, it appears that this is one area that is different for each individual.

I have heard that not all stores were carrying the Crystal Light Slurpees.  If this is the case, stop by your 7-Eleven and make a suggestion.  Making change is sometimes making the smallest things happen, even if it is only a sugar free Slurpee.

And by the way, 7-Eleven didn't endorse this post.  I just had a Slurpee with the girls this weekend and wondered how many more people would like to know about another hidden gem for families living with type 1 diabetes.

Enjoy!!!!